What were the Wild West myths of the West?
Is this an adequate answer?
To Americans, the West had become a larger-than-life place where brave men and women tested themselves against hazards of all kinds and won?
http://www.google.com/webhp?source=search_app#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=Wild+West+myths+and+realities+&oq=Wild+West+myths+and+realities+&gs_l=serp.3..0i22i30l2.820939.823215.0.823956.1.1.0.0.0.0.161.161.0j1.1.0...0.0...1c.1.11.psy-ab.frOfMe6o2Rw&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=daf895c699715be6&biw=711&bih=453
Or should I include plays or works of fiction?
I'm not sure that was a myth. Of course, they didn't always win, though.
I'm sure you can find more myths in the
Google sites above.
Did you read this site?
http://www.cracked.com/article_18487_6-ridiculous-history-myths-you-probably-think-are-true.html
The Wild West era in the United States is often romanticized through popular culture, movies, and novels, leading to the development of several myths. Here are some of the common myths associated with the Wild West:
1. Cowboys: One of the prominent myths is the image of the heroic cowboy, riding on horseback, engaging in duels, and fighting off outlaws. While cowboys did exist, their lives were often more mundane, filled with long hours of herding cattle and working on ranches.
2. Gunfights: Gunfights at high noon are a staple of Wild West mythology. While violence was certainly prevalent, actual gunfights were relatively rare. Shootouts like the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, were far less common than portrayed in popular culture.
3. Outlaws: Western legends like Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Butch Cassidy have become legendary figures, often portrayed as romanticized outlaws. While these individuals were indeed criminals, the reality of their actions often differed from the romanticized version we see in films and books.
4. Native Americans: Many myths depict Native Americans solely as violent aggressors or noble savages. These representations often oversimplify the complex history and diversity of Native American tribes and their interactions with settlers.
To uncover the truth behind the myths, it is essential to consult historical records, firsthand accounts, and academic sources. Books, journals, and documentaries can provide a more accurate understanding of the realities of the Wild West era. It is always crucial to critically evaluate the sources and consider multiple perspectives to develop a well-rounded understanding of history.